State broadcaster RTE has issued an apology over a sketch that ran as part of the station’s NYE Countdown Show.
The broadcaster said it acknowledged that viewers were offended by the clip, which received 600 complaints and faced criticism from Archbishop Eamon Martin, who said it was “deeply offensive and blasphemous”.
The programme, broadcast on RTE One on New Year’s Eve, featured a sketch by satirical group Waterford Whispers News.
In it, a mocked-up news report featuring former RTE news presenter Aengus Mac Grianna claimed that God had been arrested over “sexual harassment scandals”.
1. I am shocked that producer/editor of NYE Countdown Show @RTE@RTEOne didnât realise how deeply offensive was a mocking news report accusing God of rape & reporting his imprisonment. This outrageous clip should be removed immediately & denounced by all people of goodwill. Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) January 1, 2021
Updated: 2 Jan 2021, 15:12
RTE has issued an apology over a “blasphemous” video that aired during their New Year’s Eve Countdown show - but will continue to allow viewers to watch the segment, which will now carry a warning.
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin yesterday called on the broadcaster to remove a comedy sketch, which aired during RTE’s New Year’s Eve countdown programme.
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RTE has apologised for the segment which said that God had been arrested for impregnating a migrant against her will.
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Aengus MacGrianna featured in the Waterford Whispers skit segment
The offensive clip - made in collaboration with satirical website Waterford Whispers - is a mock news bulletin in which God is accused of sexual harassment and sentenced for rape.
RTÉ has apologised after a number of people complained over a Waterford Whispers sketch segment in the New Year's Eve countdown programme, which was broadcast on RTÉ One television.